The Zamfara State Government has formally established a 13-member task force to oversee mining operations, prevent the unlawful extraction of minerals, and ensure that all activities meet environmental and regulatory requirements.
The Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Malam Abubakar Mohammad Nakwada, inaugurated the committee on Friday in Gusau, the state capital.
The committee, chaired by the Commissioner for Environment, Abdulrahman Tumbido, comprises representatives of security agencies, traditional institutions and relevant federal and state government agencies.
Speaking during the inauguration, Nakwada said the committee was established to support the Federal Government’s efforts to formalise the mining sector and tackle illegal mining activities.
He directed members to work closely with security agencies, regulatory bodies and local authorities to identify locations where illegal mining was taking place and profile individuals involved in the activities.
The SSG also charged the committee to monitor licensed mining companies to ensure that their operations complied with relevant laws and regulations.
He said particular attention should be given to preventing environmental degradation and protecting the safety and rights of communities hosting mining operations.
In his remarks, the chairman, Tumbido, pledged that the committee would discharge its responsibilities based on credible information, fairness, respect for the law and consideration for the rights and livelihoods of residents.
He said the committee would work towards ensuring that mining activities contributed to lasting security, environmental protection and sustainable development.
The inauguration comes amid efforts by the state government to strengthen oversight of the mining sector and address concerns over illegal exploitation of mineral resources.
What You Should Know
Zamfara State is taking a major step to control its mineral wealth by setting up a specialized committee to track mining activities. This team is tasked with identifying illegal mining sites and ensuring that registered companies follow environmental laws. The goal is to bring order to a sector that has long been plagued by unregulated activity.
- Positive Impact: This initiative could significantly reduce the insecurity often tied to illegal mining while protecting the environment from degradation. It also helps the government collect proper revenue which can be used for public services.
- Potential Concerns: The committee faces a tough challenge in monitoring remote mining areas and must ensure they act fairly against all violators without being influenced by powerful interests.
